Red tape strangled jubilee fun

Red, white and blue bunting was confined to gardens and private grassy areas as council rules and regulations put many people off holding street parties to celebrate the Queen's golden jubilee.

Rother was asking for 100 fee to close the road, public liability insurance along with food hygiene certificates in some cases.

As events got underway throughout Bexhill, only one traditional street party was held, because organisers had slipped up in informing the Town Hall.

Other planned parties were transferred to gardens to avoid horrendous costs.

Gill Christmas, from the Friends of the Barnhams, believes many groups were put off by the rules and regulations. Their planned street party became a garden party at number 15.

"We were told the police would not close the road without this insurance certificate which was to cost 100," she said.

"We were forced to hold a garden party instead. It was a shame because we have had street parties here in the past and never had to pay any insurance costs. Everyone paid a pound brought a plate of food. We could not have held any celebration if we had had to find 100."

Elaine Franks from the only street party at Glenleigh Park said the area had a long tradition of street parties and the Jubilee was no exception.

"We did not inform the council as we were under the impression it had waived insurance costs this year. We went ahead with a lively party. The road we use is very small and does not need closing off. It did not affect anyone driving in the area. I think the council should look at each application individually as some roads do not need closing."

John Tight, chairman of the Preston Road/Festival Gardens community association said Rother Homes saved their street party when reams of beaurocracy threatened to curtail plans.

Their street party was moved to a grassed area at the top of Preston Road with the permission of Rother Homes after the secretary received a wodge of documentation from Rother District Council.

"We were told as well as the 100 fee to close off the road, we would have to have public liability insurance, for which they gave us names and addresses for companies. The cost for this was tremendous. We were also asked to get some sort of food hygiene certificate for the food preparation which was also an added cost. And how do you go to people kind enough to make a cake or quiche and say we need a hygiene certificate from them?

"All we did was move on to the grass and did not need anything like that at all. It is ridiculous. There just seemed so much paperwork and cost involved.

"We are a young association and the party cost us 300 which was well worth it but just about drained the bank account. Rother Homes were very supportive and saved the day.

"No wonder there was only one actual street parties."